The 2026 Naperville Central Redhawks state roster reads like a who’s who of local baseball talent, with 17 of its 20 players tracing their roots back to Naperville Little League.
From Sandlot to State Spotlight
Casey Cooperkawa and Grant Umbright are among the standout alumni who credit the Little League experience for shaping their skills, confidence and love of the game.
Umbright’s Little League career was marked by an undefeated season and a high school campaign that saw him finish 9‑1 on the mound with a .324 batting average, while Cooperkawa’s versatility across multiple positions stemmed from the foundational training he received in the league.
The Redhawks capped the year with a 15‑game winning streak and secured a fourth‑place finish at the state tournament, a historic achievement that has electrified the community.
Both players are now turning their attention to the next chapter: Cooperkawa will study engineering at Ole Miss and is bringing his baseball journey to a close, whereas Umbright plans to play at John A. Logan College and hopes a strong collegiate performance will open a path to the major leagues.
Their stories underscore how a community program can produce not just athletes but also scholars and future professionals, illustrating the lasting impact of youth baseball on personal development.